**Journalists and NGOs Face Harassment in Serbia**
The Media Freedom Rapid Response (MFRR) and SafeJournalists Network (SJN) have spoken out against the increasing attacks on journalists and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Serbia. They are calling for immediate action to stop this harassment.
In a press release, the MFRR mentioned that their partners condemn the threats and attacks against journalists when they cover demonstrations and protests in several European countries. The organization is also calling for increased protection for media freedom across Europe.
**Pressure on Journalists**
After the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, journalists have come under pressure while covering the story and subsequent protests. Most incidents reported on the Mapping Media Freedom platform are verbal abuse or physical attacks against journalists and media workers. Five of these attacks were initiated by state officials, including Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
**Serious Attacks**
Some serious attacks include a death threat sent to Ana Lalić Hegediš, Executive Director of the Independent Journalists Association of Vojvodina (NDNV), on Facebook in November 2024. On January 17, 2025, police forcibly removed five journalists from Novi Sad City Hall to prevent them from documenting an opposition-led protest.
**Raids on NGOs**
The MFRR and SJN also condemned the raids by Serbian police against NGOs critical of the government on February 25, 2025. The government claimed that these organizations were being paid by foreign states to destabilize the country. The Centre for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA), which runs the fact-checking website Istinomer, was among the raided organizations.
**Call for Action**
The MFRR and SJN are calling on authorities to stop targeting media and NGOs and to prevent further deterioration of journalists’ safety. They also demand thorough and independent investigations into any violence against members of the press.
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